In addition to booths for vendors and rescue societies, there was entertainment for the animals and their owners, included contests and games. Contest winners were Jessie, a Great Dane owned by Diane Travers for largest pet; Hattie Mae, a hedgehog owned by Merle Stubbins for smallest pet; Mojo and Jojo, Bearded Dragons owned by Alie Clarke for most unique pet; China, a Pomeranian, owned by Nola Davis for Best Look-Alike, and Olaf and Blossom, two Newfoundlands, owned by Bruce Meligan for Best in Show. There was also a puppy race for large breed dogs, and one for small breeds.

In addition, Melissa Koberna of Progressive Dog Training presented a Pet Obedience Discussion and Demonstration, and the Clearwater Police K9 also presented a demonstration. A three-day, two night stay at the Clearwater Beach Holiday Inn & Suites was raffled off and won by Angela Pavao.

Last year the event was held in May. This year it was moved to March 27th in order to accommodate pets with cooler weather. “We had perfect weather albeit a bit windy in the morning,” said event coordinator Anne Fogarty-France. “This year’s event was a huge success.” According to Fogarty-France, the purpose of the Pet Festival is introduce more people to downtown Clearwater, “and to show that we are a pet-friendly downtown.”

The event takes place in the 500 and 600 blocks of Cleveland Street between East and Fort Harrison avenues, and features contests such as puppy races and a pet parade with prizes for various categories. Pet supply vendors offering unique items for pets and people, local animal services, the Pinellas County Animobile and various rescue groups will be on hand. The Suncoast Animal League will offer microchipping for a small fee and the Clearwater Police K-9 unit will provide a skills demonstration. A new component of this year’s event will be a drawing for a 3 day, 2 night stay at the Holiday Inn and Suites on Clearwater Beach. Attendees get specially marked cards stamped as they visit specific merchants and return completed cards that are entered into the drawing.

Parking is available at the Garden Avenue garage and the public parking area in the Station Square Condominum building. Additional parking is also available in the Municipal Services Building garage on Pierce Street.

]]>EventsWed, 17 Mar 2010 10:49:44 +0000Station Square Park Lunchtime Entertainment Series Features Free Chocolate on March 18thhttp://www.tampabayinformer.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=834:station-square-park-lunchtime-entertainment-series-features-free-chocolate-on-march-18th&Itemid=69
http://www.tampabayinformer.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=834:station-square-park-lunchtime-entertainment-series-features-free-chocolate-on-march-18th&Itemid=69 This Thursday, March 18, from noon to 2 p.m., the public is invited to visit downtown's Station Square Park, 612 Cleveland St., enjoy strolling entertainment and a free chocolate éclair,…

The music and free treats will kick off the first of three events in the Downtown Development Board's Spring Lunchtime Entertainment Series in Station Square Park, one Thursday each month.

The drawing is for a free mini-vacation at the Holiday Inn & Suites on Clearwater Beach. Specially marked cards will be distributed to downtown businesses and will be available at the event's information table. Attendees can get them stamped at each of the three events and completed cards returned at the final event in May will be entered into the drawing.

Brown bag lunches are encouraged at each event and those who wish to purchase a meal may take advantage of downtown eateries that offer take-out service. In addition, the park is a WiFi hotspot for those with laptop computers.

As the weather improves, these events offer a pleasant way for people to enjoy some fresh air, our beautiful streetscape and Station Square Park amenities in the Cleveland Street District," said Courtney Orr, Downtown Manager. Events rounding out the series will be April 15 and May 20 and will feature a community swap meet and free pretzels, and smiley-faced donuts in celebration of National Smile Month, respectively. For additional information, visit www.myclearwater.com/downtown

]]>MusicWed, 17 Mar 2010 10:21:04 +00004th Friday Clearwater "Goes to the Dogs" on January 22ndhttp://www.tampabayinformer.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=779:4th-friday-clearwater-goes-to-the-dogs-on-january-22nd&Itemid=67
http://www.tampabayinformer.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=779:4th-friday-clearwater-goes-to-the-dogs-on-january-22nd&Itemid=67 4th Friday Clearwater has gone to the dogs! This January, GPA of Tampa Bay, the organization who finds homes for retired racing Greyhounds, will be the benefiting charity at the…

The new line of events has been a real hit in the downtown corridor, bringing 1500-plus people on average to each month’s event, topping it off with 5000 in attendance at the year-end event in December.

The events are always free and have live entertainment with the proceeds from beer and wine sales going to a benefiting charity.

GPA of Tampa Bay stepped forward to provide the needed volunteers in order to have the opportunity to raise much needed funds and awareness for what GPA does. Because after all, “dogs are really people with short legs in fur coats!”

The postal service, like many government institutions, is struggling financially. As a cost-cutting measure, several post office branches were being considered for closure, including three locations in the City of Clearwater: a branch on Clearwater Beach, the Countryside location, and the Downtown Clearwater branch in the beautiful building on the corner of Cleveland Street and East Avenue.

The Downtown Clearwater Post Office was opened on October 9th, 1933 as the city’s first government run post office, with Postmaster General James A. Farley officiating the opening. The building, an example of the Mediterranean-Revel style, captures the unique flair of Florida, and is authentically Floridian: designed by Clearwater architect Theodore Skinner and built by the Palm Beach construction firm Walt and Sinclair of Florida, using oolitic limestone from the Florida Keys. In 1981 the building was listed in the National Registry of Historic Places. More recently, Congressman Bill Young lobbied to keep the branch open.

On December 15th, when the vacancy of the building seemed nigh, U.S. postal officials announced that the Downtown Clearwater Post Office, along with both of the other Clearwater post office locations under consideration, would live to write another page in the region's history.

The Downtown Clearwater Post Office is located at 650 Cleveland Street and is open Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.usps.com.

]]>heidi@tampabayinformer.com (Heidi Lux)Pinellas CountyFri, 08 Jan 2010 11:17:14 +0000Clearwater Downtown Boat Slips and Promenade Project Seeks Public Input on Artwork Jan 7http://www.tampabayinformer.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=757:clearwater-downtown-boat-slips-and-promenade-project-seeks-public-input-on-artwork-jan-7&Itemid=60
http://www.tampabayinformer.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=757:clearwater-downtown-boat-slips-and-promenade-project-seeks-public-input-on-artwork-jan-7&Itemid=60 A portion of the funding for the Clearwater Downtown Boat Slips and Promenade project, currently under construction, is set aside for public art, and city officials are seeking public opinion…

The Downtown Boat Slip project, with an anticipated completion in Spring 2010, is expected to transform the city’s urban waterfront into an active, dynamic destination for local and visiting boaters. The addition of high-quality public artwork will help ensure that the site becomes one of Clearwater’s main destination points and contributes to the city’s public image to citizens and visitors alike.

The workshop will be held Thursday, January 7th from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Clearwater Main Library – Meeting Room A/B. The Library is located at 100 N. Osceola Avenue in Downtown Clearwater.

For more information about the city’s Public Art and Design Program, or to RSVP for this event, please contact Christopher Hubbard, Cultural Affairs Specialist at (727) 562-4837 or christopher.hubbard@myclearwater.com.

]]>Pinellas CountyMon, 04 Jan 2010 14:43:42 +0000Miracle on Cleveland Street Brings Snow to Downtown Clearwaterhttp://www.tampabayinformer.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=745:miracle-on-cleveland-street-brings-snow-to-downtown-clearwater&Itemid=67
http://www.tampabayinformer.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=745:miracle-on-cleveland-street-brings-snow-to-downtown-clearwater&Itemid=67 A seemingly endless sea of excited children poured into Downtown Clearwater with parents in tow to experience the rare miracle of snow in Florida. Miracle on Cleveland Street returned for…

The festivities began just after 5:00 pm (scheduled for 5:30), but the first child was there well in advance. “I’m the first one in line!” he proudly declared, sitting down at the foot of the slide’s ladder and staking his claim as the first to take a turn on the toboggan. Within minutes, a long line of children had formed behind him, excitedly clamoring for a turn.

It was a cold evening by Florida standards, yet not quite cold enough for natural snow, so tons and tons of it were trucked in from Gainesville. It was a sight seldom seen, with children dressed in winter coats throwing snowballs at each other in 60 degree weather on Clearwater’s palm tree lined Cleveland Street.

Originally scheduled for Friday the 4th, the event had been postponed due to rainstorms, but that did not seem to affect the turnout. The crowds were massive, with the children congregating around the snow slide and other entertainment drawing crowds up and down the 500 and 600 blocks of Cleveland Street and in Station Square Park. Food vendors lining the streets filled the air with enticing aromas, while street performers awed the crowd with everything from fire breathing stunts to juggling acts on stilts. The Clearwater Academy Choir delighted spectators with the songs of the season. Radio Disney had children’s games and entertainment in the park, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Cheerleaders made an appearance. The Artists in Action Carolers led by Joyce White walked the street, spreading Christmas cheer and goodwill.

At 7:30 p.m., the 25 foot giant Christmas tree in Station Square Park was lit with the help of Vice Mayor Paul Gibson, accompanied by the Clearwater Academy Choir and Santa Claus himself.

Miracle on Cleveland Street is put on by the Clearwater Downtown Partnership (CDP), a group “comprised of downtown property owners, developers, concerned citizens and civic groups” with the purpose to “fund and implement projects that will assist the public and private sectors in creating a downtown district that becomes a regional destination.” The CDP is responsible for Clearwater’s 4th Friday series, creating a monthly “party on the street.” Last year’s inaugural Miracle on Cleveland Street served as the pilot for the popular series, of which this year’s event is a part. For more information on the CDP, visit www.clwdp.org.

]]>heidi@tampabayinformer.com (Heidi Lux)EventsMon, 14 Dec 2009 21:27:46 +0000Capitol Theatre and Lokey Building in Downtown Clearwater Names Historical Landmarks by City Councilhttp://www.tampabayinformer.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=739:capitol-theatre-and-lokey-building-in-downtown-clearwater-names-historical-landmarks-by-city-council&Itemid=60
http://www.tampabayinformer.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=739:capitol-theatre-and-lokey-building-in-downtown-clearwater-names-historical-landmarks-by-city-council&Itemid=60 The Clearwater City Council voted unanimously to name the Capitol Theater and the Lokey Building historical landmarks. Both buildings are located on Cleveland Street in the Cleveland Street District in…

The Capitol Theater was built in 1921 by John S. Taylor, a Florida state legislator and homesteader. This classic structure, complete with a large mezzanine and furnishings reminiscent of a classic Hollywood theater, is one of the oldest operating theaters in the state of Florida. The Capitol Theater reportedly had its beginnings as a vaudeville theater and movie house, and was once the home of famous headliners who displayed their legendary talents (making history in the process) on the polished wood planks of the Capitol’s stage.

The Lokey building, located next to the Capitol Theater, was built in 1914 and was home to the Evening Sun, Clearwater’s first newspaper.

According to Gina Clayton, the Assistant Planning and Development Director at the City of Clearwater, there are key reasons these buildings deserve historical status. They are significant in Clearwater’s history, having been associated with people important to Clearwater’s history and both buildings possess distinctive architectural characteristics.

Robert A. Freedman, President & CEO of Ruth Eckerd Hall and Ruth Eckerd Hall Foundation, Inc., told the Council “…the intention was always to have these two buildings renovated to historical accuracy. With this distinction we can apply for State and Federal historical designation, which would then allow us to apply for Federal tax credits.” Freedman added that “Ruth Eckerd Hall is very proud to work with the architectural team to ensure we comply with City of Clearwater standards.”

Performances at the Capitol Theater will be held prior to the renovation, which is expected to begin February 2011. Upcoming concerts and performances include an evening with Ottmar Liebert & Luna Negra on Sunday, January 10 at 6 & 8:30 pm, comedian Steven Wright on January 15, Richie Havens with Sara Hickman on January 16, the NT Live screening of Nation by the National Theatre in the U.K. February 13 and 14 and St. Pete native Mindi Abair on February 19. For more information about these and other upcoming shows at the Capitol Theatre, patrons are encouraged to visit www.rutheckerdhall.com

]]>EventsThu, 10 Dec 2009 10:12:46 +0000Miracle on Cleveland Street Postponed to Friday, December 11thhttp://www.tampabayinformer.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=722:miracle-on-cleveland-street-postponed-to-friday-december-11th&Itemid=67
http://www.tampabayinformer.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=722:miracle-on-cleveland-street-postponed-to-friday-december-11th&Itemid=67 Oil is not the only thing that does not mix with water… neither does snow apparently. Due to a forecasted 70% chance of rain that could turn 40 tons of…

"The fear is that with unseasonable rain, the snow would turn into ice and slush. It could be a safety issue," said Bill Sturtevant, chairman of the Clearwater Downtown Partnership, which is putting on the snow event.

This is the second year for the Miracle on Cleveland Street event held in the 500 and 600 blocks of Cleveland Street. The free, family-friendly event features tons of snow (literally), Santa Claus, a live band, actors from Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, and a Christmas train. At least 2,500 people attended last year, and a bigger crowd is expected this year.

The City's annual Holiday Light-Up and a wreath decorating contest in downtown's Station Square Park is also rescheduled to next Friday, December 11th. Radio Disney will also come next week with children’s games and live entertainment.

However, the City is still collecting wreaths for their contest this Friday afternoon (11:30am - 1:30pm) in Station Square Park, even though they will be displayed next week at the event

"We are coordinating with the [Clearwater Downtown] Partnership…one event won't happen without the other," said Courtney Orr, Clearwater's downtown manager.